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Pasifika Comes Of Age
Media release
13 December 2012
Pasifika Comes Of Age
Next year’s Pasifika Festival in Auckland will mark the 21st anniversary of the event and the first since 2007 with a new producer at the helm.
Organisers, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) announced today that Ole Maiava, ATEED’s Pasifika Festival event producer, is retiring from the role after six successful events.
Ole Maiava has maintained an active role in the development, promotion and awareness-raising of Pacific arts and culture through the event. Throughout his tenure the Pasifika Festival has been the forum for emerging talent from across New Zealand and the Pacific.
Jennah Wootten, General Manager Destination (Acting) for ATEED says Ole Maiava now joins the ranks of past producers who have each applied their skills and vision to developing the event to the successful major event it is today.
“Ole has contributed significantly to the growth and popularity of the Pasifika Festival. This event attracts tens of thousands of Aucklanders each year and the progress of the event over the past five years is testament to the stewardship of Ole and the wider Pasifika event team and village coordinators.”
Pasifika turns 21 at the March 9-10 event. Jennah Wootten says this is symbolic of where the event is at. “It’s a unique festival which has come of age. I don’t imagine Ole will ever be far from the event and we wish him every success.”
Ole Maiava says it’s important the passion and principle behind the festival’s humble beginnings remain.
“I was part of the event in 1993 when a few thousand turned up. The event was delivered on a shoestring compared to now, but then, like now there was a lot of alofa (love) and a real sense of community involvement.”
“There comes a time when one must stand up in the waka and look around and assess where their journey is taking them. That time has come for me. Pasifika Festival has been a real life changer for my family and me”
Ole says he is looking forward to another page in his book, and leaves the 2013 festival in great hands.
ENDS
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